Decade for Nonviolence

On November 10, 1998, the UN General Assembly voted to designate the years 2001-2010 as "The Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World."

 

Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence banner 

The Decade for a Culture of Nonviolence originated from the work of twenty Nobel Peace Laureates, including Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama.

In 1999, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly commited this church to work with other denominations and organizations to build a culture of peace and nonviolence in the decade 2001-2010. It directed the Church in Society Program Unit (known in 1999 as the Division for Church in Society) to coordinate this effort through the development of an Interunit Task Force.

In 2005, the ELCA Interunit Task Force for the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence hosted an Equipping for Peacemaking Training for approximately 50 participants from ELCA congregations across the United States. Following this event, the Equipping for Peacemaking Network was formed to support the peacemaking activities of individuals and congregations. The Network has approximately 500 members and publishes a monthly e-newsletter. Membership is free and is open to all who are interested in working for peace.

  •  CLICK HERE to join the Equipping for Peacemaking Network.